The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 1 January 2026
Daily Fountain Devotional 1 January 2026 TOPIC: CIRCUMCISION AND NAMING OF CHRIST
SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 2:21-24
The child was circumcised after eight days and given the name Jesus as directed by the angel. After the purification ritual of his mother, He was taken to Jerusalem for presentation to the Lord and to offer the associated sacrifice as demanded by the Law (Lev. 12:8).
Circumcision is a token of the Abrahamic covenant, that he would be the father of many nations, and that through him, all people would be blessed (Gen. 17:10-14). Every male child is to be circumcised when he is eight days old and this brings him under a covenant of protection with God.
In circumcising Jesus, Mary and Joseph proved they were faithful to the covenant: Jesus is made a member of God’s chosen people, Israel, and an heir to the promises made to Abraham. For Jesus, both His circumcision and naming happened the same day. Whereas circumcision is a sign of our being set apart unto God, our names define the purpose for which God sets us apart (Matt. 1:21).
Have you been circumcised in the heart? If not, call upon the Lord and He will give you a new heart by spiritual circumcision (Ezek. 36:26).
PRAYER: Father, please help me to live in the reality of true circumcision and may I live out the name you have called me.